DIY Cabinets
DIY Bathroom Vanity: Can You Build Your Own in South Africa?
What it takes, what it costs, and whether it's worth it compared to custom cabinetry
6 min read · Cupboards2Cabinets design team
A vanity is a small carcass with a hole in the top — and a genuinely unforgiving environment. Here is what a DIY build really involves.
01Material choice
Use moisture-resistant board or marine-grade plywood. Standard chipboard in a bathroom is a false economy that swells at the base within a couple of years.
02Plumbing cut-outs
Cut generously around waste and supply pipes, then seal every raw edge with edging tape or a sealer. Water that reaches an unsealed edge is the single most common failure point.
- Moisture-resistant board, 16 or 18mm
- All six edges sealed or banded
- Wall-hung units need concealed steel brackets into brick
- Silicone the wall junction after the top is fitted
03Cost comparison
A DIY 900mm vanity in moisture-resistant board with a laminate top costs roughly R4 000 – R7 000 in materials. A custom-built equivalent with a stone top and soft-close drawers runs R14 000 – R26 000 — the gap is largely the top, the hardware and the guarantee.
The takeaway
Build it yourself if you are confident with sealing and brackets. If the bathroom is a main or guest bathroom, the custom route is usually worth the difference.
Planning this project yourself?
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